Avsnitt

  • This document examines the impact of word processing on human thought processes, drawing on philosophy, technology, and cultural history. It critiques the transformative effects of digital writing, particularly its influence on language, memory, and creativity. The study considers the shift from traditional writing methods to computerized environments, analyzing how software and hardware shape our cognitive abilities. Heim's exploration includes discussions of existentialism, Plato, and the nature of literacy, with examples from software programs. It suggests compensatory disciplines to offset potential losses in contemplative thought and mental privacy due to technology.Ultimately, the text calls for thoughtful engagement with the evolving relationship between humans and digital tools.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Norris, Christopher, and Michael Heim. “Electric Language: A Philosophical Study of Word Processing.” Comparative Literature 41, no. 3 (1989): 270. https://doi.org/10.2307/1771110.



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  • This thesis explores the precarious working conditions of designers and strategies to combat them. It examines how precariousness is produced and maintained within the capitalist economy. The author analyzes design education and practices, relating them to broader economic and social forces. The research includes practical experiments, such as shared residencies and collective projects, aimed at creating alternative economic cultures for designers. Feminist and autonomist Marxist perspectives inform the analysis, emphasizing commoning, care, and the refusal of traditional work models as potential solutions. The author proposes a shift towards collective action and challenges designers to rethink their role in society beyond market-driven values.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Elzenbaumer, Bianca. “Designing Economic Cultures: Cultivating Socially and Politically Engaged Design Practices against Procedures of Precarisation.” Goldsmiths College University of London, 2013. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.25602/GOLD.00009920.



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  • Winograd and Flores respond to reviews of their book "Understanding Computers and Cognition," focusing on differing interpretations. They argue that reviewers from different academic traditions (analytic philosophy, AI, ethnomethodology) understood the book based on their own backgrounds. The authors critique the rationalistic tradition's emphasis on logical arguments and the AI field's focus on explicit symbolic representations. They value ethnomethodology's understanding of diverse traditions, but note it relies on systematic methodology. Winograd and Flores emphasize the importance of openness to new discourse and acknowledge where their writing may have caused misinterpretations. Ultimately, they aim to generate a new theoretical basis for design grounded in understanding human action and technology.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Winograd, Terry, and Fernando Flores. “On Understanding Computers and Cognition: A New Foundation for Design.” Artificial Intelligence 31, no. 2 (February 1987): 250–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/0004-3702(87)90026-9.



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  • Clive Dilnot's "The Matter of Design" explores the evolving role of design in a world increasingly dominated by the artificial. The author contends that design has transitioned from its industrial origins to become a crucial mode of mediation and reconfiguration in an era where the artificial has become the prime condition of human existence. Dilnot argues that design, as a generalized human capacity, is essential for navigating incommensurable requirements and conditions, and therefore, it surpasses technology. The study emphasizes that in the artificial, certainty is dead, and things are defined not by their being but by their configuration and possibilities. The writing considers matter no longer being other to humans, but ultimately a matter of human concern. In essence, the text examines how designing is critical for our understanding of mediation, the artificial, and ourselves in this transformed world.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Dilnot, Clive. “The Matter of Design.” Design Philosophy Papers 13, no. 2 (2015): 115–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/14487136.2015.1133137.



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  • This text is an interview with French philosopher Bernard Stiegler, conducted by Pieter Lemmens. Stiegler discusses the relationship between humans and technology, arguing that they are inseparable. He critiques contemporary capitalist society for causing a "generalized proletarianization," where individuals lose knowledge and "know-how" (savoir-faire) and are reduced to consumers. Stiegler suggests that this exploitation of human cognition through technology leads to a destruction of desire and the joy of life. Despite this bleak outlook, Stiegler expresses hope that digital networks can foster a new "society of contribution" based on open-source and peer-to-peer models, offering a path toward "de-proletarianization." He sees a "battle for the mind" where philosophy must engage with technology to cultivate new forms of consciousness and resist the degradation of human existence.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Lemmens, Pieter. “‘This System Does Not Produce Pleasure Anymore’ an Interview with Bernard Stiegler.” Krisis: Journal for Contemporary Philosophy, no. 1 (2011): 33–37.



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  • Adrian Snodgrass's "Translating Tradition" explores the paradox of Japanese 'New Wave' architects who critique Western rationality while embracing advanced technology. The article connects this stance to Heidegger's philosophy of technology and Buddhist doctrines, suggesting that these architects aim to translate the unseen spiritual heritage of Japan into the language of technology. Snodgrass analyzes Heidegger's concept of "letting-be" as a way of coping with technology that neither rejects it outright nor embraces it uncritically, finding parallels in Buddhist teachings. The paper argues that these architects offer a "Middle Way" that merges the oppositions inherent in technological rationality, potentially leading to a transformation of technology itself, and a means to deal with its dominance. Ultimately, the piece investigates how tradition can be translated and preserved in a technologically advanced world.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Snodgrass, Adrian. “Translating Tradition: Technology, Heidegger’s ‘Letting-Be,’ and Japanese New Wave Architecture.” Architectural Theory Review 2, no. 2 (1997): 83–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/13264829709478320.



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  • Gilbert Simondon's "Technical Mentality" explores the development and nature of a technical mindset, asserting its coherence and potential. The text investigates cognitive schemas like cartesian mechanism and cybernetics as manifestations of this mentality, emphasizing analogical interpretation and transcategorical knowledge. Simondon contrasts artisanal and industrial modalities, highlighting the separation of information and energy sources in industrial production and the resulting affective tensions. He suggests overcoming this through the development of technical networks and a focus on post-industrial realities. The study considers how technical objects can incorporate the technical mentality through reticular structures that integrate stable, lasting components with replaceable, standardized parts. Ultimately, Simondon envisions a technical mentality that extends into various domains, including the fine arts and architecture.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Simondon, Gilbert, and Arne De Boever. “Technical Mentality.” edited by Arne De Boever, Shirley Murray, and Jon Roffe, 1–14. University of Edinburgh Press, 2013. https://doi.org/10.3366/edinburgh/9780748677214.003.0001.



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  • Cameron Tonkinwise's "Is Design Finished? Dematerialisation and Changing Things" critiques the modern relationship with designed objects, arguing that a focus on finished products leads to unsustainable consumption patterns. The author draws on Heidegger's philosophy to examine how designed objects are perceived as complete and static, leading to a cycle of disposability. The text suggests that designers should shift their focus toward creating imperfect, evolving products that can be maintained and repaired over time. This would require a fundamental change in the ontology of design, moving away from the creation of discrete, finished objects and toward a more continuous and responsible approach. Tonkinwise suggests Product Service Systems (PSS) that aim to extend the life of products. The text concludes by questioning whether designers are capable of embracing this shift, suggesting a need to reconsider the very nature of design itself.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Tonkinwise, Cameron. “Is Design Finished? Dematerialisation and Changing Things.” Design Philosophy Papers 2, no. 3 (2004): 177–95. https://doi.org/10.2752/144871304X13966215068191.



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  • Lorusso's "What Design Can't Do" dissects the evolving role of the designer in an age of automation and democratization of tools. It explores how the profession has shifted from technical expertise to cultural interpretation, navigating the tension between artistry and commodification. The author examines "ornamental politics" and the performance of critical dispositions within design. Lorusso critiques the "self-design" trend in art and design schools, questioning whether they are more focused on identity expression than skill development. The essay calls for an ethos of compromise, urging designers to acknowledge their limitations and the industry's inherent contradictions. It suggests that design education must address the political economy of the field and equip students with a realistic understanding of work and the economy.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Lorusso, Silvio. What Design Can’t Do: Essays on Design and Disillusion. First edition. Eindhoven: Set Margins, 2023.



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  • Lorusso's essay explores the pervasive yet elusive nature of design, questioning its autonomy and power. It introduces the concept of "design panism," where design is seen as both "everything" and "everyone," blurring the lines between expert and amateur. The essay examines the illusions surrounding design's essence, its relationship to other fields, and its capacity to effect change. It further considers whether designers are truly agents of change or merely cogs in larger systems. It analyzes design's attempts to achieve autonomy and synthesis, ultimately questioning the effectiveness of design as a transformative force in the face of complex social and economic structures, and the idea that the design plan is largely shaped by forces beyond the designers control.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Lorusso, Silvio. What Design Can’t Do: Essays on Design and Disillusion. First edition. Eindhoven: Set Margins, 2023.



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  • These sources explore Graham Harman's object-oriented philosophy, a critique of materialism that emphasizes the independent reality of objects. Harman argues that both reductionist and holistic materialism fail to account for the unique "form" of objects, which he contrasts with matter, function, and content. He proposes a new understanding of mimesis as performance, where the spectator actively participates in shaping the aesthetic experience, becoming the "real object" within the artwork. The texts further examine his critiques of prominent thinkers like Heidegger, McLuhan, and Greenberg, and his disagreements with Jane Bennett's approach to materialism.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Harman, Graham. “Materialism Is Not the Solution.” The Nordic Journal of Aesthetics 24, no. 47 (January 26, 2016). https://doi.org/10.7146/nja.v24i47.23057.



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  • This research paper explores innovative methods for communicating the complexities of social-ecological systems. Scientists collaborated with media designers and artists to develop interactive communication concepts, including serious games, group interaction exercises, and social media storytelling. These concepts were evaluated based on their ability to engage users, convey complex information clearly, and overcome common communication challenges. The study highlights the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to improve public understanding of environmental change. The researchers examined various communication methods to determine effectiveness in conveying complexity and facilitating engagement.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Vervoort, Joost M., Diederik H. Keuskamp, Kasper Kok, Ron Van Lammeren, Taconis Stolk, Tom (A.) Veldkamp, Joost Rekveld, et al. “A Sense of Change: Media Designers and Artists Communicating about Complexity in Social-Ecological Systems.” Ecology and Society 19, no. 3 (2014): art10. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-06613-190310.



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  • This philosophical text examines the concept of "thingness" by contrasting the modern experience of shrinking distances, enabled by technology, with the essential nature of things. The author argues that modern technology fosters a "distancelessness" that prevents true nearness, focusing on the example of a jug to illustrate how the thing's essence lies not in its materiality or scientific representation but in its function and the interconnectedness of earth, sky, divinities, and mortals. Ultimately, the text proposes a new understanding of "thingness" grounded in the "thinging" of the thing—its participation in a world where nearness is not merely physical proximity but a meaningful connection to this fourfold reality.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Heidegger, M. (2001). Poetry language thought. Harper and Row., M. (2001). Poetry language thought. Harper and Row. (pp. 163-180)



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  • This thesis examines the material and political conditions of undocumentedness, focusing on how design practices shape and are shaped by the experiences of undocumented migrants. The author analyzes three regimes of practice—passporting, camp-making, and border-working—exploring how passports, camps, and borders function as material articulations of power. Through case studies and design interventions, the research critiques existing design approaches (interaction, critical, participatory, and humanitarian design) while proposing "design-politics" as a framework for understanding the political agency of design. The author utilizes personal accounts and theoretical analysis to expose the complexities of mobility, illegality, and the ethics of research involving vulnerable populations. Ultimately, the work advocates for counter-practices that challenge established power structures and offer alternative possibilities for those marginalized by border regimes.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Keshavarz, Mahmoud. Design-Politics An Inquiry into Passports, Camps and Borders. University of Malmö Press, 2016.



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  • Madina Tlostanova's article examines the challenges faced by post-Soviet social sciences within a globally dominant, Western-centric system of knowledge production. It argues that post-Soviet scholars are often marginalized due to a complex interplay of factors, including the "coloniality of knowledge," "external imperial difference," and "double colonial difference." Tlostanova analyzes how these factors manifest in disciplinary practices, knowledge distribution, and the geopolitical positioning of post-Soviet thinkers. The article explores potential avenues for overcoming this epistemic marginalization, including transdisciplinarity and a critical self-reflection on the legacies of colonialism and imperialism. Ultimately, it questions whether post-Soviet thought can truly be independent within the existing global framework.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Tlostanova, M. (2015). Can the post-Soviet think? On coloniality of knowledge, external imperial and double colonial difference. Intersections, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.17356/ieejsp.v1i2.38



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  • This academic paper explores the ethical considerations in design research, particularly within rehabilitation engineering. It argues for a situated ethics approach, emphasizing contextual understanding and user involvement throughout the design process. The authors utilize case studies to illustrate how ethical design can lead to increased innovation and improved quality of life, particularly for people with disabilities. They critique existing ethical guidelines as insufficient for this field and propose a framework incorporating both situated ethics and broader ethical principles. The paper also examines various research methodologies, advocating for a blend of action research, phenomenology, and grounded theory.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Jönsson, B., Anderberg, P., Flodin, E., Malmborg, L., Nordgren, C., & Svensk, A. (2005). Ethics in the Making. Design Philosophy Papers, 3(4), 213–226. https://doi.org/10.2752/144871305X13966254124914



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  • This excerpt from François Jullien's The Propensity of Things explores Chinese aesthetics, particularly the concept of shi. Shi, not understood as mere mimesis, but rather as the inherent dynamism and potential within a configuration—whether in calligraphy, painting, or literature—is central. The text analyzes how shi is achieved through the interplay of contrasting elements creating tension and ultimately resulting in a powerful aesthetic effect. This contrasts sharply with Western conceptions of aesthetics focused on form and style, emphasizing instead a processual, energetic approach where the work's inherent potential is unlocked. Jullien ultimately argues that shitranscends mere representation, connecting the visible with the invisible and the tangible with the spiritual.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Jullien, F. (1995). The propensity of things: toward a history of efficacy in China. Zone Books ; Distributed by MIT Press. (pp.75-89)



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  • This excerpt from Ten Thousand Things analyzes the evolution of Chinese script, exploring its underlying structure. It examines the fundamental brushstrokes and how these combine to form increasingly complex characters, ultimately building coherent texts. The text contrasts the unique features of Chinese characters with alphabetic systems, highlighting the historical development and aesthetic considerations inherent in the script's design. Furthermore, it investigates the role of modules—interchangeable building blocks—in character construction and considers the practical and philosophical implications of this writing system's structure. Finally, it contrasts the efficiency of Chinese characters with alphabetic systems in conveying information.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Ledderose, L. (2000). Ten Thousand Things: Module and Mass Production in Chinese Art (1st ed). Princeton University Press.



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  • This academic article explores the intersection of ethics and design, arguing that ethical behavior isn't solely a matter of conscious intention but is deeply embedded within material culture. The author examines various philosophical perspectives, including those of Derrida, Levinas, and Latour, to support the idea that objects themselves can be ethical or unethical, influencing human behavior and shaping societal norms. The article further proposes that well-designed objects can act as moral educators, subtly guiding users toward sustainable and responsible actions, while poorly designed objects can inadvertently perpetuate harmful behaviors. Ultimately, the piece advocates for a design approach that fosters ethical ways of being through the inherent properties and interactions of objects within their environment.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Tonkinwise, C. (2004). Ethics by design, or the ethos of things. Design philosophy papers, 2(2), 129-144.



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  • This excerpt from "Colonising Egypt - Enframing.pdf" analyzes the imposition of disciplinary power in 19th-century Egypt under Muhammad Ali's rule and its subsequent European influence. The text examines how military reforms, using Prussian and French models, created a system of continuous surveillance and control that extended beyond the army to encompass the entire Egyptian population, particularly the peasantry. This involved confining people to their villages, meticulously regulating their work, and establishing a hierarchical system of supervision and punishment. The author contrasts this "enframing" approach to order with pre-modern Middle Eastern practices, highlighting the differences in spatial organization, social relations, and conceptions of order and meaning. Ultimately, the text argues that the new system aimed to increase productivity for the European market by creating a legible and controllable population through spatial and social regimentation.

    Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.

    Mitchell, T. (2003). Colonising Egypt (Repr). Univ. of California Press. (pp.34-62)



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